Cleaner Production: A Guidance Document for the Mining Industry in South Africa

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This project introduced Cleaner Production (CP) technologies to the mining industry by using a number of CP tools. A scoping study identified distinct differences in how big and small companies improve their practices and consider environmental impacts. Company policy and the practices of their competitors drive awareness within larger companies, while legislation drives awareness in smaller companies. The fact that several existing water-related threats by and to the mining industry can be alleviated by CP technologies, presents opportunities to facilitate the introduction of CP approaches. Cleaner Production Forums were formed where coal and gold miners could share ideas, fight common battles and share success stories. Life Cycle Analysis studies were carried out to determine priority areas and acquaint industry with the technique. Throughout the project term a campaign was maintained to raise awareness of the benefits and need for adopting CP approaches. A CP guide was developed to assist mining companies with implementing CP programmes.